They're only 14 but they’ve already had a taste of life behind a steering wheel.

A special event at the John Smith’s Stadium gave youngsters aged 14 to 16 a chance to get their first taste of driving.

The session was organised by driving instructors Nigel Deans and Peter Tiernan, founders of Huddersfield Driving Experience. They were joined on the day by a number of local approved driving instructors to provide training to the motorists-to-be.

Mr Deans said: “The day was a huge success, with over 60 people in attendance. Drivers came not only from Huddersfield but also Halifax and as far afield as Birstall and Gomersal.

“Despite a very wet start, the event went without a hitch and has proved so popular that a number of repeat bookings have already been made.”

Topics covered included moving off and stopping, steering and changing gear.

All drivers received a Record of Achievement, a Certificate of Attendance and an educational pack with road safety information from the Brake charity and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

According to Mr Deans, similar schemes on the continent have proved successful in increasing awareness of road safety from a younger age, leading to fewer accidents involving young drivers.

He added: “We aim to give young people a chance to enjoy themselves and experience something that they would not be able to do otherwise.

“At the same time, we hope that they will develop the right attitudes to driving and be much more sensible about it when they get to a driving age.”

If the sessions remain popular, Huddersfield Driving Experience hope to turn them into a monthly event.

Mr Deans said: “Interest is rising not only amongst individuals and families – a local school has been in touch about purchasing two sessions as gifts for pupils who have excelled recently, and New Directions College are hoping to organise for a group of students to attend.”